After already making the blockbuster trade to send three-time NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert to Minnesota — in exchange for multiple players and picks — the Utah Jazz are potentially shopping another one of their top players.
This time, Utah is potentially looking at moving Donovan Mitchell, another three-time All-Star who has averaged over 20 points per game every year during his five years in Utah, and has started every game he has played in but eight during his tenure.
Previously, Utah had stated they were not going to be looking at moving Mitchell, but after seeing the trade package they received from the Timberwolves in exchange for Gobert, their tune may have changed.
However, not all trades have been made equal this offseason. NBA Finals runner-up Boston landed Malcom Brogdan in what seemed like a lopsided trade, getting rid of bench players who racked up minimal minutes for an experienced point guard to add to their starting rotation.
The Atlanta Hawks also managed to land Dejounte Murray to accompany Trae Young in their backcourt, in a deal that sent Danilo Gallinari to the San Antonio Spurs, which ended up in Boston's favour as he signed with the Celtics once being waived.
As many teams are building what seem to be super squads, others are taking the Sam Presti approach and collecting draft picks they can either leverage to trade come the draft, or pick up immediate impact players. A perfect example being the Toronto Raptors holding onto their No. 4 pick for Scottie Barnes, who seems to now be a key acquisition in any trade package brought to Masai Ujiri's attention.
While Kevin Durant's potential trade is still clogging headlines with speculations of not only who has the best assets in return for one of the league's best, but also what they are actually willing to give up, Mitchell will be a top candidate to fill in gaps for some teams should they have what Utah wants in return. And after the Gobert move, it is likely to be a lot.
